Cycling has been proven time and time again to be a great aerobic exercise for those who want to improve their health or recover from injury. Electric bikes allow more people to experience the many health benefits of biking. With the introduction of the light and powerful electric motor, as well as the expansion of the electric bicycle industry, biking has become more accessible. The health benefits of biking aren't limited to electric bicycles, and most research on the topic is specific to traditional bicycles. However, this is changing, and electric bikes are offering more benefits and helping more people.

A Note About Research

There is evidence that electric bikes are a healthy form of exercise, particularly since riding replaces sedentary car trips. Recently, CleanTechnica reported on a major study by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (IJBNPA), which compared the results of a variety of qualified ebike studies. Researchers found that biking provides more exercise than walking, while encouraging exercise in daily life, which is better than being sedentary. Furthermore, a 2016 study conducted by Colorado University found that ebikers burn 444 calories per hour of riding, just 20% less than traditional cyclists.

Low-impact, but powerful pedaling

It is the pedaling motion itself that is responsible for many of the benefits of biking. A smooth pedaling motion reduces the strain that continuous impact places on joints and surrounding tissues, making biking an excellent alternative to running or walking. It is especially beneficial for individuals who have suffered joint injuries in the past, especially knees and hips. 

The low-impact nature of biking makes it a great option for low-stress muscle strengthening and flexibility training, especially for knees. This pedal stroke revolution, which involves both bending and extension, works nearly every muscle in the leg and mimics much of what you'll do in everyday life**. Thus, the muscle development experienced from biking, as well as the flexibility gained, can be applied to many activities that individuals will encounter throughout their daily lives.

In addition to improving your overall physical fitness, biking is also a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, as reported in a study by IJBNPA. Since biking is an aerobic activity, your lungs, heart, and muscles are continuously worked for an extended period of time. Biking is therefore often seen as an excellent option for improving heart health and respiratory performance, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing many other cardiovascular functions.

Suitable for all abilities

With the addition of electrical assistance, these benefits can be applied to a wider range of users, and even amplify in many cases. A key aspect of staying healthy is ensuring you exercise within your capabilities, and a powerful electric motor is a great option for helping you if you need it. In addition to giving users peace of mind, knowing that they have assistance might also help them recover more quickly and extend their workouts longer. Having the ability to modify your effort level when recovering from injury will help people get riding more quickly on an ebike than would otherwise be possible with a standard bicycle.

In addition to the considerable cost savings and societal benefits associated with a growing biking population, we believe that it can also improve individual wellness. Is there anything better than an activity that improves your physical and mental health as well as fits into your daily routine? You can substitute your weekly grocery store trip in the car with a bicycle instead, or you can become an everyday bicycle commuter. Even if you're just looking for a quick cruise, sunshine and fresh air are sometimes just what we need!